Van Miller's Obituary
Van Miller, born Tacitus Heflin Miller on October 7, 1928, lived life with a twinkle in his eye, a song in his heart, and a joke in his back pocket! Music was his gift and his passion. He could play anything with a keyboard, in addition to all brass instruments, although he was proficient in piano, accordion, tuba, trumpet and trombone. He loved leading a choir and spent many years as a music director in the Baptist church. His parents, Israel and Nolia Miller, always wanted him to be in the “Lord’s work” but did not have the money for music lessons so his father arranged for him to work with the Salvation Army in their Saturday night street ministry in exchange for an instrument and lessons. At age 11 he began playing the trumpet and when their tuba player was drafted in WWII, he started playing tuba and went on to earn a tuba scholarship to the University of Oklahoma City.
Van married Billie Louise Yelvington on June 27, 1948. They met at the Salvation Army Lone Star Camp in Irving, Texas during their high school years. They were both in the “Corps Cadets” (a six year Bible study) and a part of the 600 club (members who made only 100’s on the tests for 6 months in a row). The following year they met again in Wichita Falls to compete in the Texas State Speaker’s Contest (Billie won West Texas and Van won Gulf Coast). They each gave a 15 minute sermonette on John 3:16. When Billie won the State Contest, Van wasn’t too upset because, as he loved to say, “She won the contest, but I won the girl!”
Van and Billie just celebrated 72 years of marriage. They raised five children – Linda, Mike, Caron, Randy and Lori – who are still living today. Van is also survived by 12 grandchildren – Chad, Joel, Jake, Joy, Brandi, Christi, Lindsay, Josh, Clay, Jon, Lauren and Megan – 24 great grandchildren (with one on the way), and 4 great great grandchildren. He felt blessed to have such a full quiver!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, September 18, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Wylie, 100 N. 1st Street in Wylie, Texas. Viewing will be one hour before the service.
The family has requested donations to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be made at: give.salvationarmyusa.org or mailed to: 3528 E. 14th St. Plano, TX 75047. Please make checks payable to Salvation Army USA.
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